Mid-Penn midterm grades

The PennLive high school football team went over each of the initial five chapters of the 2013 regular season textbook and are prepared to hand out some midterm grades in seven categories. To view all midterm grades, click here.

Mid-Penn Midterm Report Card

Outstanding Quarterback

There isn’t a traditional drop back, pocket passer among the group. A couple of these signal callers inflict more damage with their legs than arms. Two more are newcomers to the bright lights and one might be the best this conference has ever seen.

The Spartans joined the spread offense party this season, and success in that offense hinges on the quarterback. Walker had some experience as a junior, but he shared snaps last season. But head coach Jeff Boger knew he was ready.

Milton Hershey has diversity in terms of its weapons available to Walker. Tre Brown, Kevin Wiggins and Justin Highter each bring a different dynamic to the table as receivers. The running game is slowly improving, but right from the opening game with Hershey it was pretty clear this offense had serious potential.

And Walker is the driving force. The Spartans are 4-1 and already have scored more points, 210, than they did all last season. Walker’s completed 63 percent of his 86 passes for 1,147 yards and 12 touchdowns with four interceptions. At the halfway point this first-year fulltime starter sports an NCAA QB rating of 211.57.